Police station set to become Brightlingsea Museum

In 2015, the trustees of Brightlingsea Museum bought the former police station in Station Road.

It formed part of their master plan to expand the popular museum.

Now following months of planning with architect, Tim Snow, they have appointed Cadman’s of Colchester to refurbish the building and add an extension.

The museum is currently housed in Duke Street within a cramped Victorian building with steep steps.

Its curator Margaret Stone said: “This really isn’t big enough to do justice to the excellent collection of artefacts and photographs, or to accommodate the range of activities enthusiastic volunteers are keen to provide to promote the long and fascinating history of this ancient Colne side town.”

In 2013, when the museum’s chairman Claude Dove died, he left the museum the money to buy the police station.

The new exhibition gallery will display stories of the River Colne in Medieval times.

It will also give visitors an insight into the days of the bustling shipyards, and stories from both world wars when Brightlingsea became a naval base.

There will, of course, be stories about the town’s fishing industry.

The additional space will allow for more displays and interactive resources for younger visitors.

Alongside the main gallery there will be a temporary display space for schools to display their students’ work.

Organisations from the town will also be invited to exhibit and their work.

There will also be a new reception area and shop.

The police station closed in 2012 and went on the market for £175,000.

However, more money is still needed to see the dream of extending the museum become a reality.

Trustees are now seeking donations and grants to cover the cost of furnishings, equipment and building new exhibitions with the help of professional designers.

Anyone who feels they can help is asked to contact Margaret Stone on 01206 303286.

For more information on the museum, go to www.brightlingseamuseum.com.